Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Haley looked so beautiful in her baptism dress. She reminds me of an angel. Haley is such a special spirit. She if so full of love and smiles. She keeps the love in our family and reminds us to be Christlike. We took the dress pictures in Spokane above the River near Grandma Maryann and Mike's house.

Haley had all of the Brookings family there to support her at her baptism. How neat.

We are so pleased with Haley and her decision to get baptised.

Haley is well loved and supported. In addition to all the Brookings family, Grandma Jody, Opa, and Grandma Maryann drove down from Spokane to the the baptism. It was fun to have so much family for such a special day.Haley got her own scriptures and case for her baptism from Mommy and Daddy and Grandma Maryann.

Not only was it Haley's baptism day but it was also her baby cousin, Sawyer's blessing day. They both look so precious together.Mishonne played the piano while her aunts and uncles sang the "As Sisters in Zion/As Armies of Helaman" medley. Aunt Heidi gave the talk, Grandma Renee led the music, Aunt Heather said the opening prayer and Grandma Maryann said the closing prayer. It is always a special time for Loren to baptize his kids. Grandpa Marks and Opa were the witnesses.

I can not believe our baby girl is TWO. Aliyah is a bundle of energy and is just starting to talk really well. Since we have had so many birthdays lately she walks around singing "Happy Birthday" all day long. We are so glad Aliyah is part of our family.

Aliyah sampled her little cake before we lit the candles.

Aliyahs two favorite things are chips and wearing only her diaper so this picture captures her very well. lol

Sunday, August 22, 2010

I have never been so relieved to have a week behind me in my life. I got called to co direct Girl's Camp this year. I thought it would be loads of fun since I love coming up with ideas. It was more work than I ever imagined. Both Melanie, my director, and my self were unexperienced with how camp runs. So we started with past year schedules and went from there. IT was definately a rewarding experience but the pressure to make it a huge spiritual experience for the girls attending was tough. I think it all went well. We had lots of compliments. I know that we will improve on many things next year, but all in all it was one of the toughest callings I have ever had but one of the most rewarding. The best part was being able to be there on the year that Mishonne got to go for the first time. I loved seeing her experience new emotions and seeing her testimony grow.

We decorated the dining hall to look like a castle. We called it the royal hall. Uur theme was "Be strong and courageous" so we went with the medieval theme. We took off with the armor of God theme from the scriptures and incorporated it into our activities and lessons. My big project was a "Castles and Farytales" Powerpoint presentation. I was surprised how into it the girls were which made me feel good becauses I spent so much time on it. The girls got a charm to go on their necklace each night. I gave them a Salt Lake temple charm for the presentation.It was a Bi Stake Camp. Here is our Baton Rouge Stake pic.

Mishonnes leadership training group.

Here are Mishonnes big sisters, each YCl has little sisters.

I was in charge of the YCLs and help them to lead the camp. The YCLs are juniors and seniors in high school. We had 33 of them this year. Crazy.

Here are my Washington Buddies. Tiffany and Heather are from Spokane like me and Courtney is from the Pullman area. Heather and I were even at girls camp in Spokane at the same time. What a small world. Heather and I were in the YCL cabin together. It was such a blast. We had water fights with the other YCl Cabin. I think we won that one, after they held me down and soaked me. lol.

Loren sang the "Give me Faith" song that he wrote for the girls. It was special. I am married to the best man in the world.

The girls made armor of god parts for the Stake Presidency members to put on. It was pretty funny.

Mishonne was Princess Peach in our ward skit.

Kelsie, Mishonnes non-member friend came to girls camp and had a really good time. I am pleased Mishonne is such a little missionary.

Friday, August 20, 2010

I can't believe Haley is 8 now. She is deffinately our little princess. We had a ball having her birthday this year. It was a Pajama party complete with makeovers. They played musical pillows, pass the teddybear, and had a sleeping bag relay race.

Mishonne, Logan, and Haley did very well in baseball this year. I assistant coached Haley's team this year. I told them that whoever hit a fly ball over the fielder's head and got at least a double they could go to a restaurant for dinner. I did not figure anyone would actaully do this since most fly balls land just past the infielders, but to my utter surprize all three of them did this so I owe them dinner at Golden Corral. I guess I will be a little more causious of my promised in the future.

About Me

Hello from the good ol' bayou. Loren is still teaching at LSU and Sandra stays busy volunteering at the kids' school and being super Mom. Our not so little family includes Mishonne age age 16, Logan age 14, Haley age 12, Denton age 9 and our last but not least Aliyah age 6. We miss all of you and love getting to see our family and friends during the summer.